At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project finances, ensuring accuracy and transparency across complex defence programmes.
- Company: Leading defence electronics manufacturer on the Isle of Wight with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to drive process improvements and collaborate across teams.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in project finance or FP&A, strong Excel skills, and ERP knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Defence & Advanced Electronics Manufacturing - Project focussed
Location: Isle of Wight
Hybrid (3–4 days on-site)
SC Clearance Required
Salary guidance £60,000
Are you a sharp, detail-driven finance professional with a passion for complex projects and cutting-edge technology? We're looking for a Project Finance Controller to join a high-performing finance team embedded within a leading defence electronics business on the Isle of Wight. This is a pivotal role at the heart of programme delivery — translating project data into financial insight, driving cost control, and ensuring the numbers behind some of the UK's most critical defence programmes are accurate, timely, and actionable.
Background - Project Finance, Project Control or FP&A in manufacturing/defence
The role: You'll sit at the intersection of finance, programme management, and operations — owning the financial control and reporting across a complex project portfolio within a defence-focused electronics manufacturing environment. Working closely with Programme Managers, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain, you'll ensure financial transparency across every stage of the project lifecycle. This is a finance-led role: your accountability is the numbers — cost performance, margin integrity, forecasting accuracy, and ERP data quality.
- Financial Planning & Control
- Produce monthly cost reports tracking actuals vs forecast, with clear variance, risk, and opportunity commentary
- Monitor project margins and overall financial health across the portfolio
- Contribute to budgeting, reforecasting, and operating/production cost analysis cycles
- Report financial performance to senior leadership including the CFO and Head of Programmes
- Manage and validate the Value of Production (VOP), ensuring alignment between production output and financial records
- ERP & Data Management (SAP B1)
- Maintain accurate project setup in SAP Business One — cost centres, booking points, and milestones
- Audit ERP data to identify discrepancies and drive corrective actions
- Manage cost allocation in line with engineering and production milestones
- PMO Reporting & Portfolio Insight
- Produce standardised PMO dashboards for programme, portfolio, and executive review
- Provide data-driven analysis of cost, schedule trends, and resource utilisation (financial lens)
- Support Programme and Portfolio Managers with financial inputs for governance reviews
- Cost Control & Analysis
- Deliver variance analysis (forecast vs actual) and challenge data accuracy across stakeholders
- Assist in financial risk identification and monitoring, including provisions management
- Support cost and pricing inputs for change requests and contract amendments
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify and drive process improvements across finance and PMO functions
- Streamline cross-functional workflows to reduce delays and reporting errors
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Essential
- Experience in project finance, project control, or FP&A — ideally within manufacturing or defence
- Strong working knowledge of ERP systems, with SAP strongly preferred
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills — you're comfortable building and interrogating complex models
- Understanding of project lifecycle and cost structures in engineering or manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with MOD accounting principles including RDEL, CDEL, and VAT
- Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for non-finance stakeholders
- Eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance
- Desirable
- Experience supporting PMO or programme management office environments
- Knowledge of defence or regulated industry financial requirements
- Familiarity with earned value management or project performance metrics (financial interpretation)
IDEAL CANDIDATE BACKGROUND
We'd love to hear from candidates with experience in one or more of the following sectors:
- Defence primes, systems integrators, or MoD supply chain (Tier 1/2)
- Aerospace and advanced manufacturing — especially complex, multi-programme environments
- Naval, land, or air systems — electronics, C4ISR, radar, or communications
- Government or regulated industry project environments with Security Clearance experience
- Engineering or technology businesses with project-based revenue models
WHO YOU ARE
Beyond the technical skills, we're looking for someone who is:
- Analytically sharp — you naturally question data and look for the story behind the numbers
- Highly organised — you thrive on structure, accuracy, and maintaining a single source of truth
- A strong communicator — comfortable bridging technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Resilient and adaptable — able to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving, mission-critical environment
- A collaborative team player — you influence through credibility, not authority
- Security-conscious — you understand and respect the governance requirements of a defence environment
LOCATION & WORKING PATTERN
This role is based on the Isle of Wight and requires on-site presence 3 to 4 days per week. The Isle of Wight is home to a thriving aerospace and defence community with a strong heritage in advanced electronics and systems manufacturing. Candidates should be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate.
Contact Joel Fletcher for more information.
Financial Controller employer: Rheinmetall
Join a leading defence electronics business on the Isle of Wight, where you will be part of a high-performing finance team dedicated to delivering critical projects. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, this company offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge technology while ensuring financial integrity in a mission-critical sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Rheinmetall. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Rheinmetall.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Rheinmetall's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rheinmetall
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Rheinmetall.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Rheinmetall will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Rheinmetall employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
